MEET THE TEAM
Maria Marsh
MANAGER
I have worked in the social services sector in Kirikiriroa for many years co-ordinating Parenting programmes, Emergency housing, Foster Care, Supervised Access, Homestays, Professional Development, Personal assistance and Administration.
Edith Juma
FINANCIAL MENTOR & FINANCIAL LITERACY FACILITATOR
I'm Edith, a certified Financial Mentor and Financial Literacy Facilitator at Desert Spring since 2019. With over a decade of experience as an accountant and running my own business, I bring a wealth of knowledge to helping clients manage their money better and get out of debt.
Graham Driver
FINANCIAL MENTOR
I have been a Financial Mentor at Te Puna Waiora Desert Spring Ministries Trust since March 2017 and I currently work two days per week. I really enjoy supporting our whānau in a wide variety of ways relating to finances. I particularly enjoy advocating for whānau when appropriate, especially where I believe they have been financially abused.
Jenna Waho
FINANCIAL MENTOR, HEALTHY HOMES ADVISOR & LEARNER DRIVER LICENCE FACILITATOR
I'm fortunate to be a part of a great team and work environment that provides support for whānau in the community.
Beatriz Hardy
MAARA KAI (COMMUNITY GARDEN) FACILITATOR
I am passionate about growing food and habitat restoration, so working at Te Puna Waiora, running Maara Kai and facilitating workshops for the community is a dream come true.
David Barrowclough
GRANTS & FUNDING OFFICER
For over 20 years, I’ve worked for New Zealand charities, focussing on fundraising and compliance.
I’m passionate about helping lift communities out of inequity and making a positive difference.
Dr. Paul Wood
TE REO MAORI FACILITATOR
I am well qualified as a teacher and a speaker of Te Reo, familiar with Te Reo ā-NgāPuhi, Te Reo ā-Ngāti Porou, and Te Reo ā-Waikato-Tainui, and some knowledge of old Te Reo.
Wendee Dewes
RECEPTIONIST
After 35 years in the music industry I took up a new challenge at Te Puna Waiora to serve the community as the frontline receptionist.
I love meeting new people and welcoming them to our Whare.
Margie Tuza
ADMINISTRATOR & FUNDING ASSISTANT
I have held administrative roles across various sectors, including health, education, and local government. I am passionate about streamlining processes, providing professional executive support, and project management.
I love working at Te Puna Waiora, the mahi we do to serve our community is very gratifying.
Heather Bruce
CHOICE AND PARENTING PROGRAMMES FACILITATOR
Teena koutou katoa,
I was born and raised in Kirikiriroa, attended Fairfield College, and have lived in Fairfield for over 25 years, raising our three children here.
My background is in community nursing as a registered nurse and in child and adolescent mental health. For over 12 years I’ve supported whānau through resiliency programmes and parenting courses. I now coordinate and facilitate Building Awesome Whānau, Toolbox Parenting, and the Choice Programme for tamariki.
“Mehemea ka moemoeā ahau, ko ahau anake. Mehemea ka moemoeā tātou, ka taea e tātou.” : If I dream, I dream alone. If we dream as a collective, we can achieve our dream - Te Puea Herangi
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jo Waugh
CHAIRPERSON
As the Chairperson of the Desert Spring Ministries Trust, I am responsible for leading board meetings, ensuring effective governance, and representing the organisation externally.
I have been a full time Mum, registered Land Surveyor, run a lifestyle block raising calves and sheep and worked as a Learning Assistant tutor for Adult students with disabilities.
I have also experienced life on a benefit after the death of my husband. I am currently on the leadership team at Discovery Christian Centre, Hamilton, NZ
John Dale
SECRETARY
I serve as the Secretary of the Desert Spring Ministries Trust, handling administrative tasks, managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and maintaining organizational records.
I play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and efficient communication within the organisation.
Stephanie Chernishov
TRUSTEE
Ko Tangata Tiriti te iwi,
Ko Titahi Bay tōku ūkaipō,
Nō Kotiana me Ingarangi ōku tūpuna,
Nō Ruhia me Kotiana ngā tūpuna o tāku tāne.
I have worked with nonprofits for over 30 years in varied roles; teacher, facilitator, research associate, project manager, in finance and administration, as a trustee, and as acting manager at Te Puna Waiora in 2015.
I am currently employed by the Te Weu Charitable Trust as Business Coordinator, as well as participating in a range of environmental and social community initiatives. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours and have completed courses in community development, business, and communication.
Madison Jeffrey
TRUSTEE
I joined the DSMT board in February 2025. While I am now based out in Morrinsville, I previously lived in Fairfield and attended Fairfield College. Otherwise, I spent my time growing up in Turkey with my family.
I now work as a lawyer at a local firm in Hamilton.